New MLX90380 offers high speed operation and flexible through-shaft positioning

Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, announces a new second-generation resolver motor position sensor based upon its proprietary Triaxis® Hall magnetic sensing technology.

The new single IC solution MLX90380 is compatible with any brushless motor – including Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) and Brushless DC Motors (BLDC) – thanks to its ability to measure the absolute angle. It is ideally suited to the ever-growing number of automotive applications arising as a result of the greater electrification of vehicles.

The precision sensor is suitable for high-speed rotating applications, such as automotive electrical power steering motors and superchargers, due to its 2μs sampling and 8μs output refresh rates. The MLX90380 provides Sine and Cosine analog ratiometric outputs while other options include the ability to select sensitivity from 10mT to 70mT and three different configurations for the magnetic field axis.

Unique to the MLX90380 is its ability to be mounted in either end-of-shaft or through-shaft applications. By simply selecting the correct option code, designers are now able to measure rotation and position at any point along a shaft by using a ring magnet in conjunction with the MLX90380.

Commenting on the new MLX90380, Peter Vandersteegen, Product Manager said: “This second-generation Triaxis®-based device represents a significant step forward, especially with regard to performance and mounting flexibility. As designers are challenged to work in small spaces in modern applications, especially automotive, this compact device offers many options allowing designers to deliver high-performance rotary measurement solutions.”

The MLX90380 operates from -40°C to +150°C, making it ideal for harsh applications such as industrial and automotive. The standard version is available in a small SOIC-8 package and a fully redundant version is provided in a SOIC-16 package. For PCB-less applications, such as direct mounting in a motor, a DMP-4 package is available.

ISO26262 documentation is available to support safety-critical automotive applications.

The MLX90380 can be used with Melexis’ small driver ICs MLX81310 or MLX81315 to drive and sense the position of a smart valve for efficient cooling of the battery or engine. It is also compatible with Melexis’ BLDC motor ICs MLX81205-06-07-08 to track the rotor position in smart pumps, to control the pump efficiently and dynamically with the right torque.